Which breed of cat is best?

August 12, 2005|By Pamela Dittmer McKuen, Special to the Tribune

Some cats are better choices in the close quarters of multifamily housing design than others.

"There are breeds that are more quiet and breeds that are more active," said Carol Barbee, president of the American Cat Fanciers Association. "The quieter breeds tend to be the longhairs--Persians, Himalayans, although the Maine Coons have rowdy moments. A lot of the shorthairs like Siamese, Abyssinians and Cornish Rex have moments of racing around the house and causing a bit of noise" and possibly disturbing neighbors.

Barbee raises Cornish Rexes, a busy but soft-spoken sort of cat that fares well in apartments.

"I love Siamese [cats] but sometimes they sound like a screaming baby," she said.

Linda Linford, executive director of the Naperville Area Humane Society, said older cats tend to be more mellow and their personalities are formed.

"With kittens, what you see is not always what you get later," she said.